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East Belgium

Foreword in English, by Joseph Maraite, Prime-Minister of the Government of the German-speaking Community of Belgium.

A land of Encounters in the heart of Europe

The german speaking community of Belgium

Foreword

As President of the Government of the German-speaking Community, it is my pleasure to welcome all the readers of these lines.

The object of the following pages is to present to you the smallest of three Communities that compose, together with the three Regions, the new federal State of Belgium.

The proverb says: "Fine feathers make fine birds".
And in the opinion of many people, the place that has been given to the German-speaking Community in this rather complicated federal system is one of the finest feathers of the new bird Belgium.

Along with former Prime Minister Wilfried Martens, I'm quite of their way way of thinking. Indeed, it reflects honour on this Country that its statesmen have wisely decided to endow the 68.000 citizens living in the German-speaking territory with the same institutions and the same autonomy in many important aspects of public and daily life as has been given to the 5.9 million Flemings and the 4 million French-speaking Belgians. Furthermore, they have foreseen the possibility of an eventual extension of these competences to fields not normally covered by the Communities.

It is almost unique in Europe that a state should grant such valuable instruments of selfgovernment to a minority of only 0,7 % of its population, thereby raising it, in a constitutional sense, beyond the status of a minority.

Its no wonder, therefore, that the emergent democracies of Central and Eastern Europe as well as their minority organisations are knocking at the door, asking for more information about this ingenious Belgian solution, with a view to isolating those aspects of the system which are transferable into their own Constitution or basic laws.

Equally unique is the geographical position of our Community in the heart of Western Europe. It forms a link between four of the wealthiest Countries on earth, the meeting point of three great European Cultures.

Surrounded by vitally important industrial regions, it's situated at the intersection of major European motorways. With its open-minded and multi-lingual population it may well be an ideal place for your business, a perfect bridge for your business, a perfect bridge to new markets in Europe.

Last but not least, East-Belgium is an island of peaceful and charming nautre: more than half of its territory is part of the protected nature-park "Hohes Venn - Eifel".

It offers you calm and repose, marvellous scenery, fresh air, numerous leisure opportunities and, not only for gourmets, delicious regional delicacies.

So, come and get to know us. Not Only will your stay here be a refreshing experience, but you are also certain to fall in love with one of the youngest regions of Europe: the German-speaking Community of Belgium.

Joseph Maraite
Minister-President of the Government of the German-speaking Community of Belgium.